Tributes have been paid to well-known Derry republican Gerry ‘Meeks’ Meehan who has been described as ‘one of the kindest, most genuine human beings’.

The ex-IRA prisoner and long-standing Sinn Féin activist passed away this week. Martina Anderson said his death had sent ‘shockwaves throughout the city’.

“Everyone has their own story, their own memory, but the thread running through them all is the same - Gerry was one of the kindest, most genuine human beings anyone had the honour of knowing.

“A friend to many, a comrade to more than most will ever realise, and someone who gave so much of himself in the struggle. He worked quietly, supported others without hesitation, and played his part in helping bring us to where we are today. That contribution will never be forgotten,” said the former prisoner and one-time Sinn Féin MLA and MEP.

The late Derry republican Gerald 'Meeks' Meehan at a commemoration for IRA Volunteer Dennis Heaney.

placeholder image — The late Derry republican Gerald 'Meeks' Meehan at a commemoration for IRA Volunteer Dennis Heaney.

Colly Kelly, described Mr. Meehan, as the ‘quiet man who was always there’.

The erstwhile Sinn Féin Councillor for the Moor said: “He drove us all around the whole of Ireland may it be for a Sinn Féin Ard Fheis, a Hunger Strike commemoration or a volunteers commemoration.”

He reflected: “’Meeks’ was the quiet man but he was a committed IRA volunteer, ex-POW, a republican activist his whole life and a dedicated family man."

Condolences were extended to Mr. Meehan’s wife Mary-T, his children and wider family circle.

"Our thoughts are first and foremost with his wife and children. There are no words that can truly comfort at a time like this, no way to ease such a profound loss. His comrades will mourn him deeply. We will remember his kindness, his commitment, and the way he treated others - always with decency and respect. Heartbroken does not begin to describe it. Shock does not capture the scale of loss across the community,” Ms. Anderson stated.

His Funeral takes place at noon on Saturday in the Long Tower.

Mr. Kelly said: “I’ve been very lucky to have been surrounded by great republican men and women who I look up to and even more lucky to call them friends and ‘Meeks’ is top of that list. If we were all like ‘Meeks’ the world would be a better place.”